Summer Intern Program
Launch Tennessee connects students with impactful summer internships at TN startups, entrepreneur support organizations, and VCs
Summer Intern Program
Launch Tennessee connects students with impactful summer internships at TN startups, Launch Tennessee connects students with impactful summer internships at TN startups, entrepreneur support organizations, and VCs, and VCs
Ready to make an impact this summer?
Ready to make an impact this summer?
Join hundreds of interns that have gained invaluable experience working with host companies across Tennessee. Don’t miss the chance to work with high-growth startups, venture capital firms, or regional entrepreneur centers.
Fast Facts
IF YOU'RE A STUDENT
Jump-start your career with LaunchTN's paid Summer Intern Program!
Are you looking for a paid opportunity to make an impact and build valuable professional experience this summer? LaunchTN Summer Intern Program alumni consistently share that their experiences and the relationships built proved memorable, enjoyable, and highly relevant in pursuing innovative career paths.
Interns work at any of 3 different types of Host Companies:
Startup
Work at a high-growth Tennessee based company. Startups are innovative companies that seek to offer unique products and services, and they’re often thought of as “disruptors” in their markets. Read this article to learn more about what a startup is.
Entrepreneur Support Organization
Work at a regional entrepreneur center (REC) or entrepreneur support organization that helps founders start and grow their businesses. LaunchTN partners with nine RECs. Entrepreneur support organizations are entities that foster connections, resources, and support within the entrepreneurial community to help founders and innovators succeed.
Venture Capital
Work at a VC firm that supports and invests in startups. Venture Capital investors provide young companies with capital (funds) in exchange for equity (an ownership stake). Read this article to learn more about what a VC is.
INTERNSHIP
- Receive up to a $8,160 stipend for the 12-14 week program
- Participate from May to August 2026, with flexible start and end dates to accommodate student schedules and Host Company preferences
- Report directly to a supervisor at the Host Company
- Have access to mentors and advisors in addition to a supervisor
- Participate in professional development opportunities throughout the summer with the summer intern cohort
ELIGIBILITY
- Currently enrolled college student (including doctoral or master’s programs) or a recent graduate (no earlier than December 2025)
- Ability to reside in Tennessee during the internship (some remote internships available)
- Willing and able to participate throughout the summer in virtual (optional in-person) professional development opportunities
- Interested in innovation or entrepreneurship and working in a flexible, ever-changing environment
- A strong communicator, curious and adaptable
- Interested in entrepreneurship and innovation, startups, startup ecosystems, equity investing, and/or technology
TIMELINE
- NOV. 17, 2025: Applications open
- FEB. 13, 2026: Applications close
- FEB. 20, 2026: Applicants approved to the candidate pool
- EARLY MARCH 2026: Candidate pool applicants receive list of open positions to review and deadline for applicants to rank top locations
- MARCH 2026: Host Company interviewing period
- MARCH 20, 2026: Deadline for interns selected by Host Company
- APRIL 2026: Agreements signed
- MAY 2026: Internships begin
- JUNE-AUG. 2026: Professional development opportunities
- SEPT 4, 2026: Exit surveys
Applications are open for the 2026 Summer Intern Program through February 13, 2026 at 5 p.m. CT.
Participation in Launch Tennessee’s Summer Intern Program is subject to the availability of funding and resources. LaunchTN reserves the sole discretion to make decisions regarding the acceptance of both host organizations and interns.
IF YOU'RE A COMPANY
Bring fresh ideas and impact to your business — host a LaunchTN intern!
We invite Tennessee-located startup companies, venture capital firms, and entrepreneur centers to apply to host a summer intern. LaunchTN facilitates intern recruitment, professional development for students, and in many cases shares the cost of the student stipend (dependent on host company ability to pay, as determined through application process). Interns have access to LaunchTN-hosted networking and professional development opportunities throughout the summer. Host Companies continue to find value in summer intern placements and the caliber of work they complete throughout the summer.
Many host companies extend their engagements with interns (some have even ended up hiring their interns full-time, stating that the program provided a great opportunity for testing skills prior to making a permanent hiring decision).
Program
- Host companies may select from LaunchTN’s applicant pool or suggest current student candidates they identify on their own (pending approval from LaunchTN).
- Interns work a full or part time schedule (up to 40 hours/week) over a 12-14 week period (depending on students’ school schedules and your company’s needs).
- Host companies are not guaranteed an intern(s) placement. Successful placements require mutual interest from the company and the intern applicant, as well as adherence to the timeline and program requirements.
- Host companies are responsible for intern(s) payment throughout the duration of the internship period. LaunchTN will supplement up to 50% of the stipend (amount determined through review of information provided in application and number of host companies supported).
- Host companies may apply for more than one intern on a single application, as long as they fill out the requested description information for each position.
Eligibility & Requirements
- A Tennessee-located startup, an entrepreneur-support organization, or venture capital firm
- Company full-time team size of at least 2
- Business Entity is active with the State of TN
- Clear and meaningful internship scope of work for potential intern
- Willing and able to directly pay student intern
- Define a specific project or general scope of work for the intern position and create a management plan.
- Participate in the interview process:
- LaunchTN conducts the initial review of intern applications for eligibility requirements
- LaunchTN matches interested candidates with companies and shares student applications
- Host companies reach out to candidates and conduct interviews.
- Host companies extend offers to selected candidate(s), and once accepted notify LaunchTN.
- Assign a supervisor within your company for the intern who will conduct weekly (minimum) check-ins
- Identify a separate mentor/advisor within your company for the intern (other than the supervisor)
- Provide a portion of total $8,160 stipend, as agreed upon with LaunchTN as a part of the host company application process
Benefits
- Program promotion to recruit student applicants
- Tailored applicant pool of interested candidates
- Selected candidate information packets provided to host companies
- Student contracts
- Partial stipend support toward intern payment
- Networking and professional development events throughout the summer for interns
Timeline
- NOV. 17, 2025: Applications open
- JAN. 30, 2026: Applications close
- MID-FEBRUARY: Host companies notified of application result
- EARLY MARCH 2026: Tailored candidate list sent to Host Company
- MARCH 2026: Host company interviewing period
- MARCH 20, 2026: Interns selected by Host Company
- APRIL 2026: Agreements signed
- MAY 2026: Internships begin
- JUNE-AUG. 2026: Professional development opportunities
- SEPT. 4, 2026: Exit surveys
Applications are open for the 2026 Summer Intern Program and close January 30, 2026 at 5 p.m. CT.
Participation in Launch Tennessee’s Summer Intern Program is subject to the availability of funding and resources. LaunchTN reserves the sole discretion to make decisions regarding the acceptance of both host organizations and interns.
STUDENTS
Jumpstart your career with LaunchTN's paid Summer Intern Program!
Are you looking for a paid opportunity to make an impact and build valuable professional experience this summer LaunchTN Summer Intern Program alumni consistently share that their experiences and the relationships built proved memorable, enjoyable, and highly relevant in pursuing innovative career paths.
Interns work at any of 3 different types of Host Companies:
Startup
Work at a high-growth Tennessee based company. Startups are innovative companies that seek to offer unique products and services, and they’re often thought of as “disruptors” in their markets. Read this article to learn more about what a startup is.
Entrepreneur Support Organization
Work at a regional entrepreneur center (REC) or entrepreneur support organization that helps founders start and grow their businesses. LaunchTN partners with nine TN RECs. Entrepreneur support organizations are entities that foster connections, resources, and support within the entrepreneurial community to help founders and innovators succeed.
Venture Capital
Work at a VC firm that supports and invests in startups. Venture Capital investors provide young companies with capital (funds) in exchange for equity (an ownership stake). Read this article to learn more about what a VC is.
INTERNSHIP
- Receive up to a $8,160 stipend for the 12-14 week program
- Participate from May to August 2026, with flexible start and end dates to accommodate student schedules and Host Company preferences
- Report directly to a supervisor at the Host Company
- Have access to mentors and advisors in addition to a supervisor
- Participate in professional development opportunities throughout the summer with the summer intern cohort
ELIGIBILITY
- Currently enrolled college student (including doctoral or master’s programs) or a recent graduate (no earlier than December 2025)
- Ability to reside in Tennessee during the internship (some remote internships available)
- Willing and able to participate throughout the summer in virtual (optional in-person) professional development opportunities
- Interested in innovation or entrepreneurship and working in a flexible, ever-changing environment
- A strong communicator, curious and adaptable
- Interested in entrepreneurship and innovation, startups, startup ecosystems, equity investing, and/or technology
TIMELINE
- NOV. 17, 2025: Applications open
- FEB. 13, 2026: Applications close
- FEB. 20, 2026: Applicants approved to the candidate pool
- EARLY MARCH 2026: Candidate pool applicants receive list of open positions to review and Deadline for applicants to rank top locations
- MARCH 2026: Host Company interviewing period
- MARCH 20, 2026: Deadline for interns selected by Host Company
- APRIL 2026: Agreements signed
- MAY 2026: Internships begin
- JUNE-AUG. 2026: Professional development opportunities
- SEPT 4, 2026: Exit surveys
Applications are open for the 2026 Summer Intern Program through February 13, 2026 at 5 p.m. CT.
Participation in Launch Tennessee’s Summer Intern Program is subject to the availability of funding and resources. LaunchTN reserves the sole discretion to make decisions regarding the acceptance of both host organizations and interns.
HOST COMPANIES
Bring fresh ideas and impact to your business — host a LaunchTN intern!
We invite Tennessee-located startup companies, venture capital firms, and entrepreneur centers to apply to host a summer intern. LaunchTN facilitates intern recruitment, professional development for students, and in many cases shares the cost of the student stipend (dependent on host company ability to pay, as determined through application process). Interns have access to LaunchTN-hosted networking and professional development opportunities throughout the summer. Host Companies continue to find value in summer intern placements and the caliber of work they complete throughout the summer.
Many host companies extend their engagements with interns (some have even ended up hiring their interns full-time, stating that the program provided a great opportunity for testing skills prior to making a permanent hiring decision).
Program
- Host companies may select from LaunchTN’s applicant pool or suggest current student candidates they identify on their own (pending approval from LaunchTN).
- Interns work a full or part time schedule (up to 40 hours/week) over a 12-14 week period (depending on students’ school schedules and your company’s needs).
- Host companies are not guaranteed an intern(s) placement. Successful placements require mutual interest from the company and the intern applicant, as well as adherence to the timeline and program requirements.
- Host companies are responsible for intern(s) payment throughout the duration of the internship period. LaunchTN will supplement up to 50% of the stipend (amount determined through review of information provided in application and number of host companies supported).
- Host companies may apply for more than one intern on a single application, as long as they fill out the requested description information for each position.
Eligibility & Requirements
- A Tennessee-located startup, an entrepreneur-support organization, or venture capital firm
- Company full-time team size of at least 2
- Business Entity is active with the State of TN
- Clear and meaningful internship scope of work for potential intern
- Willing and able to directly pay student intern
- Define a specific project or general scope of work for the intern position and create a management plan.
- Participate in the interview process:
- LaunchTN conducts the initial review of intern applications for eligibility requirements
- LaunchTN matches interested candidates with companies and shares student applications
- Host companies reach out to candidates and conduct interviews.
- Host companies extend offers to selected candidate(s), and once accepted notify LaunchTN.
- Assign a supervisor within your company for the intern who will conduct weekly (minimum) check-ins
- Identify a separate mentor/advisor within your company for the intern (other than the supervisor)
- Provide a portion of total $8,160 stipend, as agreed upon with LaunchTN as a part of the host company application process
Benefits
- Program promotion to recruit student applicants
- Tailored applicant pool of interested candidates
- Selected candidate information packets provided to host companies
- Student contracts
- Partial stipend support toward intern payment
- Networking and professional development events throughout the summer for interns
Timeline
- NOV. 17, 2025: Applications open
- JAN. 30, 2026: Applications close
- MID-FEBRUARY: Host companies notified of application result
- EARLY MARCH 2026: Tailored candidate list sent to Host Company
- MARCH 2026: Host company interviewing period
- MARCH 20, 2026: Interns selected by Host Company
- APRIL 2026: Agreements signed
- MAY 2026: Internships begin
- JUNE-AUG. 2026: Professional development opportunities
- SEPT. 4, 2026: Exit surveys
Applications are open for the 2026 Summer Intern Program and close January 30, 2026 at 5 p.m. CT.
Here's what participants had to say
INTERN
This summer at The Biz Foundry, I got to roll up my sleeves and dive into real marketing projects, from running paid ads to refreshing our website and launching new campaigns. I loved having the freedom to be creative while also learning strategies that actually work in the real world. The best part? Seeing the impact of my work in our community. This internship gave me the confidence and skills I’ll carry into every job from here on out!
KAYLIN CAMPBELL
The Biz Foundry
HOST COMPANY
As a fast-paced startup, finding people who actually want to work in an early-stage environment is tough. The LaunchTN intern program connected us with driven, high-quality talent we wouldn’t have found otherwise—and the funding support made it possible for us to bring someone on who made a real impact. Can’t recommend it enough.
NIKKI SANZ
Giggs
INTERN
Interning at Yaya Scientific was an incredible experience that pushed me outside of my comfort zone while also making me feel like a true collaborator. What stood out most was the mentorship and team culture — everyone encouraged me to ask questions, share ideas, and problem-solve creatively. The fast-paced startup environment taught me how to adapt quickly and reinforced my excitement about being part of innovation that translates from vision to impact in healthcare.
HANNAH BHATTACHARYA
Yaya Scientific
HOST COMPANY
Khristian was a wonderful addition to our team! The funding support through this program enabled us to bring on an intern that we wouldn’t have otherwise been able to hire, and he provided us immense value.
NATE SMITH
Epicenter Memphis
INTERN
This summer The Mill Workspace has given me hands-on experience with everything from content creation and video editing to running social media, writing press releases and planning events. But what I didn’t expect to learn were the thing that no one really meant to teach me– things like the power of community and how much small actions can mean in a small town.
KADINCE FERGUSON
The Mill
HOST COMPANY
Launch TN connected us with two fantastic interns in Summer 2025. We decided to hire one of them on as a full-time team project engineer, and she is doing great right off the starting blocks, which wouldn’t have been possible without LaunchTN’s assistance. We hope to partner with them again in 2026 with new challenging projects for new talented interns!
MAX DORRIS
Yaya Scientific
INTERN
I am incredibly grateful for my internship at LaunchTN through the Summer Intern Program. This experience not only gave me hands-on opportunities unlike anything I had done before, but also helped me grow both personally and professionally. I gained valuable skills, built confidence in my abilities, and discovered new passions and career possibilities. Most importantly, this internship gave me a clearer vision of my future and the impact I want to make. My internship experience was truly transformative and I am excited to apply what I have learned in my future.
CLAIRE SHANK
Launch Tennessee
Past Host Companies
